Life Story / Obituary

To those who knew Joey Moyer, son, brother, father, fiancé, uncle, cousin and friend; he was really just a big kid at heart who was so much fun to be around. Joey was not without trying times in his life, yet when he met his love and best friend Kristal combined with the love he had for his children, gave him the strength to become the man he had always longed to be. He was ready to embark on new and exciting journeys; his bright light was darkened much too soon.

The dawn of 1980’s marked a time of celebration in the family of James and Serena (Schelb) Moyer as they welcomed the birth of their son, Joseph Paul, on November 16, 1980. Joey, as he was most often known, was born as the fifth child in his family including older siblings Kristy, Rena, Jeremiah, and Jimmy. His mother was thrilled when her five pound, two ounce bundle of joy finally arrived. Joey was a cute boy who charmed his way into the hearts of those around him. Like boys so often do, Joey got into more than his fair share of mischief and with two older brothers, the “partners in crime” only fed off each other all the more. His brothers often challenged the young Joey to do crazy things, and he was always more than happy to oblige. Even from a young age, Joey was fearless in nearly everything in his pursuit to keep up with his older brothers. He loved Little League Baseball and was a pitcher, in fact he had such a good throw he earned the nickname “Smokin’ Joe”, and graduated from Portage Northern High School in 2000.

One of the things that characterized Joey was his deep love for the outdoors. His greatest passion was for hunting, especially deer hunting. Joey spent hours in the woods during the off season where he would study the local deer so that he would be ready for opening day. His drive usually paid off in spades as opening day often produced a big buck. Deer hunting was also an opportunity for Joey to bond with his brothers and his father. Although hunting was certainly his favorite outdoor activity, Joey was happiest in the woods no matter what he was doing. At times he would be on his bike in the woods or even just walking with his children. Even Joey’s work usually revolved around being outside. He was self-employed, and often did lawn care or anything else he could find outside.

There were countless things that made Joey such an extraordinary man. Joey was jovial, fun-loving, and always the first to instigate the clowning around with his nieces and nephews. He always had a smile and if it wasn’t with his mouth, then his bright blue eyes revealed the happiness he felt on the inside. Joey was very creative and playful with not only his own children, Kyle and Megan, but also with his fiancée’s daughter, Jewelee. He was a great cook who learned this skill from his mother. Just like in life, Joey was fearless in the kitchen, not afraid to experiment with new things or alter a recipe to better suit his personal taste.

Great changes were in store for Joey throughout the last few years of his life. It was during this time that he met the young girl with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Her name is Kristal Palmer, and they had been together for the past three years with plans get married on the horizon. She had not only brought much joy and happiness to Joey’s life, but she was a positive influence on him as well. As he and Kristal grew closer, Joey took more responsibility for his actions, stopped drinking, and started along the path of turning his life around. It was also during a counseling session that he secured a place in heaven by reaching out in prayer and accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

With a vibrant spirit that was impossible to miss, Joey Moyer brought so much life to the world around him. He was adventurous, even unpredictable at times and always kept those around him on their toes. Joey was an outdoorsman through and through, yet was happiest when he was surrounded with those he held dear. As his family and friends try to fathom what life will be like in the wake of Joey’s unexpected death, they will move forward even as the unanswered questions echo within the depths of their soul. Although he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, those who mourn his death will forever cherish each and every moment they were given to share with such an extraordinary man.

Joey Moyer died on January 23, 2010. Joey’s family includes his 2 children: Kyle Repotski and Megan Moyer, his fiancée Kristal Palmer and her daughter Jewelee Cleland, his parents Jim and Serena Moyer, 2 sisters: Kristy (Lorren) Santek, Rena (Jim) Tyler, 2 brothers: Jeremiah (Nicole) Moyer , Jimmy and fiancée Krisse Lawrence, as well as many other nieces and nephews. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to a trust fund set up to benefit his children.